The So-Called Suspension Is Causing Grave Harm and Death • New York Prisons Must Implement the HALT Solitary Law to Stop Torture, Save Lives, and Improve Safety for Everyone
(New York) — Fifty-five New York State legislators co-signed a letter calling on NYS DOCCS to end its illegal so-called “suspension” of the HALT Solitary Law and instead fully implement the law in order to reduce suffering, save lives, and improve safety for everyone. Lawmakers, survivors of solitary, and allies held a press conference this morning to discuss the letter and demand full and immediate implementation of the HALT Solitary Law. The full letter is available online here.
Victor Pate, Co-Director of the HALT Solitary Campaign, said: “DOCCS simply does not have the authority to suspend portions of the HALT Solitary Law. Let’s call it what it is – a direct violation of the HALT Solitary Law, a violation of the separation of powers, and a usurpation of the legislative function of New York State’s democratically elected representatives. Solitary confinement is torture. It causes devastating harm and death, and worsens safety for everyone, while alternative forms of separation have been proven to reduce violence. Especially in the wake of guards lynching Robert Brooks and Messiah Nantwi, and offer guards walking off the job and leaving 12 people to die and tens of thousands of people in life threatening conditions, it’s unconscionable that DOCCS is unlawfully giving officers greater power to torture people in their custody…